Photo: The drowning victim, Erwin Bezuidenhoudt (contributed)
After the tragic drowning of a 15-year-old boy, Erwin Bezuidenhoudt on 2 July 2026 at the Platz am Meer vicinity in Swakopmund, the remains of the deceased are yet to be found.
The drama continues, with Mr Sean Naudé from the Namibian Marshall Rangers, who is still unyielding that the deceased’s body is trapped between the rocks at the breakwater wall of the manmade marina. However, supposed technical issues hampers the search team to remove some of the rocks in order to get certainty on whether Naudé’s assumption is correct or not.
Namib Times did approach the Platz am Meer centre manager, Hesti Langeveldt on 20 July 2026, requesting for an official statement from Oryx Properties which is in charge of the Platz am Meer Mall. She noted that she did forward our request to their head office, but until date no response was received. Concerns regarding the fact that nearby properties might be flooded should the breakwater wall be damaged or break, and also on who will take responsibility in case of such a scenario, are some of the issues affecting the removal of the rocks. The Erongo Governor, Dr Nathalia /Goagoses also visited the scene and according to sources who were present the Governor “gave permission for the rocks to be removed.”
However, this did not transpire until date. Governor /Goagoses this week noted that she has no comment on the issue, following communication with Namib Times. Meanwhile the mother of the drowning victim, Julencia Uises contacted Namib Times this week, expressing her utmost disappointment in authorities. The bereaved mother noted that promises were made to the family by senior officials regarding the removal of the rocks, but nothing came of it. “I’m unhappy and disappointed in our leaders for not acting according to their promises in the search and retrieving of my son’s remains. I was looked in the eyes and promised that the rocks would be removed, but it was only false hope given to me. What kind of leaders do we have?” an emotional Uises remarked.
By Marshallino Beukes
